The Luxury Hotel Insider

The Luxury Hotel Insider:Exclusive luxury hotel deals, features and special rates from the luxury hotel experts at Five Star Alliance.

Named one of Tripbase's Best Luxury Travel Blogs for 2011, below are Five Star Alliance's newest articles featuring exclusive information on luxury hotels worldwide including special offers and deals at the world's best hotels.

Nestled mid-mountain amongst the pines, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, offers ski-in/ski-out access to Northstar California. The family-friendly retreat features a variety of snow activities, après ski experiences, and signature offerings, including the Marshmology program that happens nightly at the firepits with winter-themed s'mores and details about the history of marshmallows (photo below). In addition, the mountain resort announced new winter offerings and introduced Executive Chef Mark Jeffers and Pastry Chef Shawna Peterson to its culinary program. Read more below the photo. Après-Ski Programs
Offered daily by the resort fire pits from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., the Après-Ski Champagne Experience* features a raw bar with chef-prepared favorites including ceviche and oysters on the half shell, and Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial. The Après Yoga & Strech combines gentle movements to rejuvenate tired muscles for a day on the slopes, and the Après-Ski Recovery spa treatment is a tension relief-focused treatment for aching muscles that includes the Arnica Turmeric Joint formulas a take home gift. Continue reading below. Winter Activities
The Winter Stargazing Snowshoe Tour* is led by local star guide and poet, Tony Berendsen. Offered December 21, December 28, January 14, and February 11, guests are taken on a winter starry night snowshoe tour that includes a laser tour of constellations, telescopic viewing, educational presentation, space quiz for prizes, and a poetry reading. For families, the Winter Scavenger Hunt encourages young travelers to use a map to find hidden objects and win prizes. There's also the Where is the Bear? hide-and-seek program held daily in the living room, as well as special Ritz Kidz winter offerings. Read more below. Culinary Offerings
The Winter Vintner Dinner Series includes a four-course meal highlighting Northern California wineries, and will be held on January 12, February 9, and March 9. The resort's signature restaurant, Manzanita will also offer Sunday Brunch, plus a Skier's Lunch Buffet will be offered daily from December 19 to January 7, and on Saturdays throughout the winter season. Continue below. Check rates and availability at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe >>*Please note dates and offers were provided by The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe and are subject to change at any time.

The capital city's historic Old Post Office, listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, has been tranformed into a five-star luxury hotel. Overlooking Pennsylvania Avenue, the Trump International Hotel Washington D.C., offers the BLT Prime restaurant, spa, Old Post Office Museum Gallery walkway, escorted Clock Tower tours by the National Park Service, children's programs, and sumptous pet amenities. Learn more about the transformation in the article below from our sister publication, Hotel Management, by Mick Tan.

HBA brings D.C.’s Old Post Office back as Trump Hotel

Interior design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates completed a historical hotel preservation project and opened the Trump International Hotel, Washington, D.C., formerly the Old Post Office. Working with Ivanka Trump, HBA associate Betsy Hughes and her team of interior designers and architects restored the European-style building to its original glory, creating a 263-room five-star hotel. Continue below the photo.

The 118-year-old historic and castle-like structure is located between the Capitol Building and the White House. Using the building's story as the design narrative, the space is defined by the architectural detailing of the clock tower, columns, archways and historic metal truss-work that spans the lobby. Designers used the framework as a support system for chandeliers that dot the public spaces.

The lobby faces the clock tower, reception and bar; it serves as the heart of the hotel, opening up to the nine-story atrium with glass skylights. Read more below the image.

There are 263 guestrooms, seven of them created within the previous attic space, and featuring floor-to-ceiling skylights in the roof. The former postmaster's offices were converted into four luxury suites. The largest of the group has restored wood-stained paneling, a fireplace and a reading nook in a turret. One suite is located in the clock tower with an arched window that HBA designers created a mezzanine around to keep from blocking the window. The Trump Townhouse suite has multiple stories and a private entrance from Pennsylvania Avenue.

The European-style suites have a color palette of creams, silvers and soft blues with pops of red and gold leaf trim along with crystal chandeliers. A standout feature is a canopied bed in the center of the bedroom.

Due to the historic restoration, each guestroom has a unique layout with distinct features. Arched windows on the upper floors offer views of the Capitol Building and Washington Monument, while historic columns were found and restored. Large bathrooms were built along the window walls of several rooms, while turrets, eaves, dormer windows and skylights are showcased within several guestrooms.

Canvas Art Consultants, the art consultancy division of HBA, also worked with the HBA interior design team and The Trump Organization. Canvas developed a guestroom and corridor art program that pays homage to the city's history through a collection of imagery specifically assembled to reference various aspects of Washington D.C. and the Old Post Office. Visual elements include signed original watercolor renderings of the Clock Tower and renderings of gilded architectural details.

The main restaurant, BLT Prime by David Burke, is a two-story marble-clad box overlooking the lobby. The two private dining rooms have views overlooking the main arrival lobby. Two function rooms with high ceilings, original millwork and stained wood floors are found in the main building. The Lincoln Library has navy velvet drapes and Empire-style bronze pendants in one room, while the second has painted millwork, cream silk draperies and crystal chandeliers. A conference space is located in an existing building on 11th Street, the edifice of which was built as a shopping mall in the 1980s. It is now the largest luxury ballroom in Washington D.C., Presidential Ballroom, modeled after Mr. Trump's Mar-a-Lago.

Illuminate Lighting Design, the architectural lighting firm from HBA, provided lighting design for the public areas, including the Congressional Bells Museum and BLT Prime by David Burke. A standout lighting feature includes an integrated custom bar detail that illuminates restored post offices boxes as a backdrop in Benjamin Bar & Lounge, highlighting the building's history.

Closed for an extensive renovation project, the Royal Mansour Casablanca, formerly Le Royal Mansour Méridien, is a luxury hotel in the Old Medina of Casablanca, Morocco. Opened in 1952, it has 7 Presidential Suites - so it is no surprise that the five star property is the preferred hotel of the Moroccan Royalty and Nobility.

Le Royal Mansour, situated centrally in the country's largest city and economic capital, is an oasis of calm. In the heart of the economic capital of the Kingdom of Morocco, it offers a palatial blend of traditional Moroccan architecture with contemporary comfort and modern technology, surrounded by deep-cushioned luxury. The hotel prides itself on its elegance, style and warmth of service, combined with luxurious amenities and excellent cuisine.

Set within historic row homes, offering views of the Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht canals, the Hotel Pulitzer Amsterdam just completed a major renovation. Featuring quintessential Dutch elegance and a residential feel, the hotel has the Restaurant Jansz with classic European fare, outdoor terrace, garden cafe, and a centralized location close to the Royal Palace and Central Station. Read more about the renovation in the article below from our sister publication, Hotel Management, by Mick Tan.

Jacu Strauss redesigns 45-year old Pulitzer Amsterdam

Pulitzer Amsterdam completed the final phase of a restoration project, with 145 new rooms unveiled as well as a brand new entrance on the Prinsengracht canal side of the property. Part of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts LVX Collection, the 45-year old hotel now has 225 rooms spread across 25 400-year-old canal houses.

Jacu Strauss, a former senior designer with Tom Dixon's Design Research Studio, was creative director of the redesign, drawing inspiration from the houses' many inhabitants, from merchants to Dutch aristocrats. Continue reading.

The hotel completed its first phase of renovation in February, launching new onsite restaurant Jansz and Pulitzer's Bar. Now debuting is the transformed lobby, a garden café, and 145 new guestrooms. Nearly all guestrooms have distinct designs. The Pulitzer’s accommodations include four guestroom categories, three suite categories, and the Pulitzer's suite. Four Collector's suites are also available, complete with private street entrances and canal views. Continue reading below the photo.

The hotel's inner gardens were also created by Strauss. These feature café Pause at Pulitzer, which spans areas of the garden and lobby.
Other facilities include a two-floor gym, Jansz restaurant and Pulitzer Bar, as well as nine meetings and events spaces.

Le Nolinksi, a newly opened deluxe boutique hotel under the EVOK brand, recently opened at the spectacular location of 16 Avenue l’Opera. The hotel offers a prime location within easy walking distance to many of the sites of Paris including the Louvre Museum, which is just a five minute walk away.

The hotel, a former apartment residence, has eclectic design elements and a muted color palate of grays, blacks, and golds, with fun pops of bright colors in the hallways and elevator lobbies. There's also a “Grand Salon”, the Rejane Brasserie, indoor pool, and full service spa to round out the hotel's offerings. In addition, a deli-style food outlet is currently under construction.

The small street level lobby is intimate, and the service is top notch as the staff gets you settled in and provides a nice orientation of the property.

A Classic room facing Avenue l’Opera was our home for two nights. The room was not very large, but high ceilings and substantial entryway doors gave it a cozy residential feel. Amenities included a welcome pastry and mineral water. The retro-style Marshall music player was a nice feature. Continue reading below the photos.

Complimentary smartphones are provided to each room, and they can be taken with you outside the hotel. The phone allows for direct access to the concierge and other sightseeing services. International calling is also included - a very nice perk, especially if your own mobile phone isn't set up for international data roaming and calling.

Our stay coincided with the Grand Opening reception on September 20, 2016. The party had a “Folie” or Parisian cabaret theme which was quite the event with attendees and entertainers spilling out in the streets.

Five Star Alliance Perk: Guests that book through Five Star Alliance receive a welcome pastry or appetizer upon arrival, along with use of a smartphone with unlimited international calls and internet.

Originally built in the 13th century as a castle, then rebuilt as a hunting and fishing lodge in the 1800s, Ashford Castle was once the estate of the Guinness family, and the filming location of the classic movie, "The Quiet Man". Situated in County Mayo, the castle is one of Ireland's most luxurious hotels. The award-winning property is part of Red Carnation Hotels, offering a cinema, spa with an indoor pool, fishing, falconry, ziplining, shooting & archery, horse riding, wine tastings, luxury charters, and lake cruises on Lough Corrib. Continue below the photos.

Five Star Alliance Perk: All Five Star Alliance guests reserving the "Best Available Bed & Breakfast Rate" will receive full Irish breakfast for two daily, 85 Euro food and beverage credit, complimentary green fees, and VIP status. In addition, based on availability at check-in, room upgrades, early check-in, and late check-out.

Next to the Music City Center, the Westin Nashville is set to open in late September 2016. The locally-inspired luxury hotel is the collaborative effort of two design firms. Close to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Bridgestone Arena, Ryman Auditorium, music venues and honky tonks along Broadway, the new 27-story property will offer 454 guest rooms. Ideally situated for exploring downtown, going to the convention center, or attending a live performance, hotel guests will have access to the Rhapsody Spa, and L27 - the highest rooftop bar in the region. Read more about the Westin Nashville in the article below from our sister publication, Hotel Management, by Mick Tan.

The Westin Nashville is scheduled to open this fall at 807 Clark Place. The property, which will stand 27 stories high when completed, will have 454 guestrooms and suites designed through the collective contributions of The David Mexico Design Group and Bullock Smith and Partners. The designers drew inspiration from the location of the property.

The Westin Nashville will have 20,000 square feet of adaptable event space, including prefunction areas and 12 meeting venues. There will be a fitness center, two restaurants and the lobby bar.

The Westin Nashville will also have L27, which will be the highest rooftop bar in the region. L27 will have a rooftop pool deck with seven cabanas. It will be able to accommodate more than 200 guests. The Westin Nashville will have the Rhapsody Spa, which will have nine treatment rooms, indoor pool, co-ed sauna, manicure and pedicure stations, and locker rooms with Experience Showers.

The property will be located next to the Music City Center, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Ryman Auditorium, Nashville Predators’ Bridgestone Arena and the Frist Center for the Visual Arts.

Set in the heart of Manhattan, at the crossroads of art, fashion, and design, the Langham Place Hotel, Fifth Avenue offers 157 luxurious guest rooms and 57-ultra luxurious suites. In September, the hotel will unveil new suites designed by French design firm and retailer, Roche Bobois. Read more about the designer suites in the article below from our sister publication, Luxury Travel Advisor.

Langham Place, New York, Fifth Avenue has partnered with Roche Bobois, a French design firm and retailer, to introduce the new Roche Bobois Suites. The new suites are slated to debut this September, coinciding with both New York Fashion Week and the United Nations General Assembly.

The Roche Bobois suites (#2503 and #2603), have two full bathrooms, an additional half-bath and a combined living and dining area, as well as a full-service kitchen, washer and dryer and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the New York skyline and Empire State Building.

Inspired by the brand’s collaborations with fashion houses such as Jean Paul Gaultier and Missoni, the new suites also incorporate elements from Roche Bobois' most recent collaboration with Christian Lacroix.

Design elements of the new Roche Bobois Suites at Langham Place, New York include:
- Living room furniture, such as a Presence Sofa, a Profile tufted leather ottoman and an Epoq sofa from the Nouveaux Classique collection
- Aqua dining table, which can seat up to 10 guests
- Courchevel King Size beds in each bedroom
- Artwork using materials from Maison Christian Lacroix
- Mounted TV units by Chicane and Logos in each bedroom - Drapery by men’s fashion designer Paul Smith
- Accent pillows and throws throughout the suites by Maison Lacroix

Soaring over the Dubai coastline, Burj Al Arabis considered one of the world's most luxurious hotels. Designed to resemble a billowing sail, the iconic hotel recently opened a nearly 10,800-square-foot luxury deck, set over the Persian Gulf. Read more below from our sister publication, Hotel Management, written by Mick Tan.

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah Hotel in Dubai unveiled the Burj Al Arab Terrace, an outdoor deck that is an extension to the hotel. The nearly 10,800-square-foot luxury deck fans 330 feet out into the Persian Gulf and accommodates 32 air-conditioned cabanas, 400 sun loungers, a fresh-water pool, a saltwater pool, a restaurant and a bar.

The outdoor space was built by marine construction firm Admares at a Finland shipyard and assembled onsite from eight pieces.

Stretching approximately 328 feet into the sea and linked by a central walkway, the terrace is flanked on either side by cabanas and beaches. Designed to mimic architecturally the shape of the hotel, the terrace’s color palette includes earth tones, white and nature-inspired colors. The space also has two swimming pools: a 6,587-square-foot freshwater pool and an 8,912-square-foot saltwater infinity pool. Both have 10 million mosaic tiles. The terrace’s al fresco Scape Restaurant & Bar has views of the Arabian Gulf.

WASHINGTON, DC ─ Five Star Alliance, the leading site for luxury hotel recommendations and reservations, has recently partnered with leading luxury consortia Signature Travel Network.

Through this partnership, Five Star Alliance will tap into Signature's collection of member hotels and resorts worldwide to enhance the "Five Star Alliance Perks" program, which offers clients added value amenities to their bookings. Examples include breakfast for two daily, a dining or resort credit, spa credits, complimentary round of golf, airport transfers, in-room/welcome gifts, VIP welcome and more.

Courtney W. May, General Manager of Five Star Alliance, said the partnership is a key strategic move for the brand.

"We are delighted to collaborate on this advantageous endeavor with Signature Travel Network," said May. "As one of the strongest luxury communities in the marketplace, the pairing of our two luxury brands together will help us offer greater travel opportunities around the world to our discerning audience of travelers - including new cruise and tour packages."

Signature Travel Network is a member-owned cooperative comprised of the travel industry's leading retail agencies representing more than 6,000 professional travel consultants — and generating more than $7 Billion in annual sales.

Part of the Questex Travel Group, Five Star Alliance launched in 2005 as the leader in luxury hotel and resort recommendations worldwide and offers a comprehensive editorial listing of reviews, rates, reservations at more than 3,000 luxury hotels and resorts worldwide.